3M tackling the N95 respirator demand challenge: a Canadian solution
Since January, 3M have doubled its global output of N95 and other respirators to more than one billion per year, and the company is on track to deliver two billion respirators by the end of 2020. However, the company recognized the need to increase the availability of N95 respirators here in Canada.
On August 21, in collaboration with the Canadian and Ontario governments, 3M Canada announced that it will begin manufacturing N95 respirators in Brockville, Ontario. This will help ensure Canada’s self-sufficiency for this critical product for years to come.
When the expansion will be fully operational by 2021, 3M will continue working with the government and health agencies to get the N95 respirators into the hands of those who need them most - healthcare workers, first responders, and those in critical infrastructure roles.
The expansion will help to ensure a consistent domestic supply of this critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for the foreseeable future.